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TAP DOGS STEP UP THE PACE

The beat is infectious, its deeply throated percussion at its best and its impossible not to get caught up in it.

A rhythmic art form it normally brings to mind none other than Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and Ginger Rogers whose tapping heels seem rather tame in comparison to the dance routine invented by the world famous "Tap Dogs," who will be performing at the Creek Park in Dubai from December 14-16. It's a rare treat to be able to witness such a phenomenal show of raw energy and unique dance moves.

Their exhilarating and bold routine has completely eradicated traditional notions associated with tap dancing. Since, they broke on the dance scene in 1995, there has been no looking back. Created by Dein Perry, who derived the inspiration from much of his own early life which was spent in a steel town by the name of New Castle in Australia. Perry has woven the whole hundred and twenty minute dance routine around a steel builders life. And by carefully selecting six hugely talented energetic dancers to execute his choreography, he has transformed a mundane theme into a sensational spellbinding show.

Meeting the team who makes up Tap Dogs presented a further window into their talent and personalities, which help to make the performance what it is. My first question aimed at them was of course, why the name "Tap Dogs." It seems an unusual name, although definitely one that makes you take notice. A name that stands out, to say the least! I was told the inspiration came from the old Beatles song, "Its been a hard day and night...and I've been working like a dog....."

And of course the mode of presentation was tap, so it seemed fitting to call them Tap Dogs. Its quite a story, and suddenly the name seems to make perfect sense!

Easy going and friendly, the Tap Dogs team are a group of young dancers hailing from Australia and England. Totally caught by the charm of Dubai, they are looking forward to entertaining audiences at the Creek Park. And since their show reaches out to the audience and its all based on communication through their agile moves, click of the heels and the drama of the music complementing all this, it's a universal language that everyone can enjoy. With no lyrics, just body language to mesmerise the audience, its a once in a life time experience.

The show promises to be non-stop entertainment, with tap dancing on the ceiling, ramps and most intriguing of all on water! Starting their routine with a bare set, that gets built along the way with tap moves, its an upbeat version of tap dancing. In fact, one can safely say its a reinvention of the art form, more in line with the 21st Century. Clicking their heels to a combination of Latin and heavy metal beats, it's a performance that is an inferno of energy.

Having done lots of globe trotting, including a sensational performance at the opening of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, the Tap Dogs are well seasoned when it comes to marvellous cities around the world. However, having just hadbreakfast on the pristine beach by the Burj Al Arab and floated on the Abra through the meandering curves of the Madinat Souk, like the rest of us they have allfallen in love with Dubai. As they said, "We go to many cities and appreciate them but in Dubai, it feels different, it's like hey I could get used to being here and live here!"